Exercise machine

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine comprises a frame and means for performing an exercise associated with the frame to allow a user to perform at least a predetermined exercise; the exercise machine comprises an interface which can be associated, by means of a relative connection, with an audio/video storage and reproduction device with which information and commands can be exchanged, in particular when the exercise is being performed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise machine and in particularto an exercise machine which can be interfaced with audio and/or videostorage and reproduction devices.

Modern exercise machines, such as treadmills, exercise bikes and thelike, currently combine an increasing number of functions which aresecondary to requirements purely relating to use of the muscles by theuser, such as, for example, monitoring heart activity or energyconsumption.

As exercise equipment evolved, exercise machines were developed whichintegrate audio reproduction devices, for example a radio or CD player,as well as having a screen (usually LCD) positioned in front of the userand with which the machine is controlled (for example by operating withthe touch screen method).

While the user is exercising, the touch screen can be used to watchtelevision programs or for various types of multimedia connections, suchas an internet connection.

However, such reproduction devices do not allow the user to beentertained with a vast and popular selection of preferred tracks, bothbecause of radio or TV equipment reception limits, and because of thelow number of tracks that can be stored in a normal known type of CDmedium.

In parallel, an increasing number of portable audio and even videostorage and reproduction devices are spreading, such as the Apple®iPod®, which can store an ever increasing volume of information,therefore audio tracks, videos, photographs, of particular interest forthe user.

It should be noticed that often such devices are used, not just duringleisure time, but during work-outs or while performing any exercisebecause they offer a vast selection of audio tracks or videos, all ofwhich the user likes because he has selected them.

However, because he is exercising, the user finds it difficult to useand manage the reproduction device.

Prior art devices, although recently being made ever smaller andlighter, still have a mass that is not null, which must be supported bythe user, for example by hanging it on his arm, and which is an obstacleor inconvenience during a work-out.

To contain the mass and dimensions of such reproduction devices, theouter dimensions are gradually getting ever smaller, with a consequentparallel reduction of the dimensions of the relative keys or control andoperating screens whose operation is extremely laborious, in particularwhile exercising, for example running or cycling.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the main technical purpose of the present invention isto propose an exercise machine which is free of the above-mentioneddisadvantages.

The present invention has for an aim to propose an exercise machinewhich allows the user to be entertained during a work-out by listeningto tracks he enjoys using a personal device.

The present invention also has for an aim to propose a machine whichallows the user to be entertained during a work-out by watching videosor film footage he enjoys.

The present invention also has for an aim to propose an exercise machinewhich allows easy and convenient management of audio and/or videostorage and reproduction devices, in particular during a work-out.

The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantiallyachieved by an exercise machine comprising the technical featuresdescribed in claim 1 and in one or more of the dependent claims herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention are moreapparent in the description below, with reference to a preferred,non-limiting, embodiment of an exercise machine, illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, partly in blocks, of an exercisemachine in accordance with the present invention, in a first operatingconfiguration;

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of a detail of theexercise machine of FIG. 1, in a second operating configuration;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of the detail ofFIG. 2, in a third operating configuration;

FIG. 4 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of the detail ofFIG. 2, in a fourth operating configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the accompanying drawings and in particular withreference to FIG. 1, the numeral 1 denotes an exercise machine inaccordance with the present invention.

The exercise machine 1 comprises a frame 2 supporting means 3 forperforming an exercise of the substantially known type and therefore notdescribed in detail, for allowing a user, not illustrated, to perform atleast a predetermined exercise.

It should be noticed that in FIG. 1 the exercise machine 1 isillustrated as a treadmill. However, the present invention also relatesto exercise bikes or any other exercise machine 1 of the type comprisingthe frame 2 and the means 3 for performing an exercise.

The machine 1 comprises a graphical interface 4 supported by the frame2.

The interface 4 is also positioned at the means 3 for performing theexercise.

The machine 1 comprises transmission means 5, in communication with theinterface 4, there being the possibility of associating the transmissionmeans with an audio and/or video, that is to say, multimedia content,storage and reproduction device 6, of the substantially known type, suchas the Apple® iPod®, so that the device 6 is put into communication withthe interface 4.

The communication means 5 preferably comprise a connection 5 a, of thesubstantially known type, for optimizing communication between thedevice 6 and the interface 4 according to the methods described in moredetail below.

The connection 5 a is preferably a serial connection. In alternativeembodiments, not illustrated, the connection 5 a is of the parallel typeor USB or wireless.

Advantageously, the interface 4 interacts with the audio/videoreproduction device 6 through the transmission means 5 to exchangeinformation and commands with the device 6, preferably when the user isexercising.

The device 6 has a screen 7 for displaying film footage or photographsor for displaying information about the music tracks being reproduced.

Moreover, the device 6 has a control panel 8 by means of which thedevice 6 is used.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the exercise machine 1comprises means 9 for managing the means 3 for performing the exercise,allowing the user to customize the exercise, for example to regulate thespeed or angle of the treadmill belt. In the present invention, theinterface 4 is integrated in the management means 9, of thesubstantially known type and therefore not described in detail, forexample a console.

In other words, in accordance with the present invention, the interface4 is integrated in the management means 9 to make the machine 1 morecompact.

The exercise machine 1 preferably comprises a support 10 for the device6.

The support 10 is associated with the frame 2, preferably substantiallyat the interface 4.

Advantageously, the communication means 5 comprise a connector 11 forconnection to the device 6.

It should be noticed that it is well known that the devices 6 have acommunication and power port, not illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The connector 11 is suitable for engagement with therespective communication port present in the audio/video storage andreproduction device 6.

The interface 4 comprises a control device, schematically illustratedwith a block 12, for interaction with the storage and reproductiondevice 6.

The control device 12 is advantageously integrated in a computerizedcheck and control unit, not illustrated, usually designed to check andmanage the machine 1.

More specifically, as described in more detail below, the control device12 can simulate operation of the device 6 control panel 8 using thecommunication means 5.

In other words, the device 12 allows the audio/video storage andreproduction device 6 to be operated from a remote position, consistingof the interface 4.

In more detail, the control device 12 preferably consists of a screen 13sensitive to pressure applied by the user, commonly known as a “touchscreen”.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in a first operating configuration, inparticular when the storage and reproduction device 6 is connected tothe machine, the interface 4 has an icon 14 for retrieving device 6controls on the screen 13.

It should be noticed that it is well known that the term “icon” refersto an image (usually a stylized drawing) whose aim is to represent aprogram, an action or a type of file or to transmit information in anextremely concise form.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a second operating configuration, a firstportion 15 of the screen 13 is intended for displaying multimediacontent reproduced by the audio/video storage and reproduction device 6;the portion 15 therefore forms a screen for displaying multimediacontent.

The second operating configuration is preferably an alternative to theabove-mentioned first configuration.

Advantageously, the second operating configuration can be derived fromthe first by “touching” the screen 13.

Advantageously, the portion 15 also forms a display 16 for showing theuser information about audio/video storage and reproduction device 6operation, for example a list of tracks.

A second portion 17 of the screen 13 is intended for displaying a secondicon 18 which is part of the interface 4 and reproduces an enlargedaudio/video storage and reproduction device 6 control panel 8.

In particular, the icon 18 shows and reproduces on the screen 13 thedevice 6 main controls.

In practice, the device 6 is controlled by acting on the touch screen 13at the icon 18.

In other words, the action on the icon 18 is translated, by the touchscreen 13, the device 12 and the communication means 5, into a commandfor the audio/video storage and reproduction device 6.

The icon 18 preferably also graphically represents the device 6 controlpanel 8, that is to say, the icon 18 shows and reproduces on the screen13 the device 6 main controls in an identical configuration and actingon the touch screen 13 at the icon 18 the device 6 is controlled withthe individual keys operating in the same way.

According to FIG. 3, in a third operating configuration, the portion 15of the screen 13 intended for video reproduction or for displayinginformation as the display 16, is enlarged compared with FIG. 2, to givethe user a better view.

As shown in FIG. 4, in a fourth operating configuration, the portion 17of the screen 13 intended for the icon 18 visually and functionallyreproducing the device 6 controls is further enlarged compared with FIG.2, to offer controls which are easy to use even while exercising.

In practice, the user inserts, according to the arrow F of FIG. 1, hispersonal audio/video storage and reproduction device 6 in the machine 1support 10.

It should be noticed that the earphones, not illustrated, may preferablyremain attached to the device 6 and the user remains in audio contactwith the device 6 by means of them.

Advantageously, in alternative embodiments, the audio signal can beswitched on the machine 1 console 9.

When the device 6 is inserted in the support 10, the connector 11 isinserted in the respective port, not illustrated, of the device 6, andby means of the serial connection 5 a puts the interface 4 incommunication with the device 6.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the icon 14 relative to the device 6associated with the machine 1 appears on the screen 13.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, acting on the icon 14, the portions 15 and 17are defined on the screen 13, respectively for displaying informationand videos and for controls.

More precisely, the videos reproduced by the device 6 become visible inthe portion 15 or, in the display 16 configuration, information is madeavailable about the audio tracks/videos stored in the device 6.

Advantageously, the icon 18, which as already indicated reproduces thedevice 6 control panel 8 and implements its operation by means of thetouch screen 13, is enlarged compared with the panel 8, and so is easierto use.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, by acting on the screen 13, the portion 15 isfurther enlarged for maximum visibility.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, by acting on the screen 13, the portion 17dedicated to device 6 remote controls is maximized, so that they areeasy and convenient to operate while exercising.

The exercise machine brings important advantages.

The generic user can associate his personal audio and video storage andreproduction device with the machine, and can then listen to or watchall of the material he likes.

The graphical interface combined with the touch screen allows easyremote control of the device 6.

This allows exercises to be performed correctly, without any particularimpediments, the dedicated, enlarged portions of screen allowing easyinteraction with the storage and reproduction device.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial applicationand may be modified and adapted in several ways without therebydeparting from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all detailsof the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

1) An exercise machine comprising a frame (2), means (3) for performingan exercise associated with the frame (2) to allow a user to perform atleast a predetermined exercise, wherein it comprises an interface (4) atthe means (3) for performing an exercise, transmission means (5) incommunication with the interface (4), there being the possibility ofassociating the transmission means (5) with an audio/video storage andreproduction device (6) having a respective control panel (8) so as toput the audio/video reproduction device (6) in communication with theinterface (4), said interface (4) interacting with the audio/videoreproduction device (6) through the transmission means (5) to exchangeinformation with the audio/video reproduction device (6), in particularwhen the exercise is being performed. 2) The exercise machine accordingto claim 1, comprising means (9) for managing the means (3) forperforming the exercise, allowing the user to customize the exercise,the interface (4) being integrated in the management means (9). 3) Theexercise machine according to claim 1, comprising a support (10) for theaudio/video storage and reproduction device (6), the support (10) beingassociated with the frame (2), preferably at the interface (4). 4) Theexercise machine according to claim 3, wherein the communication means(5) can be associated with the audio/video storage and reproductiondevice (6) at the support (10). 5) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises a control drive (12) forremotely operating the audio/video storage and reproduction device (6)using the communication means (5). 6) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises a screen (13) sensitive topressure applied by the user (a touch screen). 7) The exercise machineaccording to claim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises a screen (15)for displaying multimedia content reproduced by the audio/video storageand reproduction device (6). 8) The exercise machine according to claim6, wherein the screen (15) for displaying multimedia content reproducedby the audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) consists of aportion (15) of the touch screen (13). 9) The exercise machine accordingto claim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises at least one icon (18)forming at least one remote control for the audio/video reproductiondevice (6). 10) The exercise machine according to claim 9, wherein theicon (18) substantially has the same appearance as the correspondingcontrol present in the control panel (8). 11) The exercise machineaccording to claim 9, wherein the icon (18) substantially has the samefunctions as the corresponding control present in the control panel (8).12) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the interface (4)comprises at least one display (16) for showing the user informationabout audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) operation. 13) Theexercise machine according to claim 6, wherein the display (16) consistsof a portion (15) of the touch screen (13). 14) The exercise machineaccording to claim 1, wherein the communication means (5) comprise aserial connection (5 a). 15) The exercise machine according to claim 1,wherein the communication means (5) comprise a USB connection (5 a). 16)The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the communicationmeans (5) comprise a wireless connection.